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Cubs ink right-hander Simontacchi

Cubs ink right-hander Simontacchi

By Adam McCalvy
/
MLB.com |

The Cubs added an intriguing arm to the organization on Friday, when right-hander Jason Simontacchi agreed to a Minor League contract with a Spring Training invitation.

Simontacchi, 32, made 83 appearances, including 40 starts, for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2002-04, compiling a 20-10 record with a 4.77 ERA. He underwent surgery to repair the labrum in his right shoulder following the 2004 season and missed all of 2005.

Simontacchi originally signed with St. Louis in January 2002 as a Minor League free agent and had his greatest success that season, going 11-5 with a 4.02 ERA in 24 starts for the Cardinals. He has also pitched in the Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Minnesota systems.

A native of Mountain View, Calif., Simontacchi is on Italy's provisional roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Italy is in Pool D, scheduled for first-round action in Orlando from March 7-10.

Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.